This month we are talking about Varicose Veins and Compression Stockings. Many women and men suffer from leg pain and varicose veins and don't realize what is behind the problem or how it can be fixed.

1. VARICOSE VEINS (Venous Insufficiency)
AUGUST 2014
Many women and men suffer from leg
pain and varicose veins and don't
realize what is behind the problem or
how it can be fixed. In this month's
newsletter we hope to explain what
happens when circulation becomes
less than optimal and introduce you to
a solution that can be found right in
our office!
What is venous insufficiency?
Our circulatory system is made up primarily
of arteries and veins. Arteries are responsible
for bringing oxygen-rich blood from the
heart to the rest of the body while veins
return oxygen-poor blood back to the heart.
When veins fail to do their job, venous
insufficiency (VI) is the result. When we are
in the upright position (sitting or standing),
the blood in our leg veins must go against
gravity to return to our heart. This is done
through the help of small valves in our veins
that prevent blood from going back down
towards the feet. Leg and calf muscles
squeeze the veins to help move blood
towards the heart. When we are walking, this
process works well because our muscles are
more active but when we sit or stand for long
periods of time, the blood in the veins can
start to pool and this increases the pressure in
the veins and on the valves. Our veins can
handle increased pressure for short periods
but if we continue to stand or sit for longer
periods of time, the vein walls as well as the
valves can start to stretch and weaken.
What are the symptoms?
-swollen feet, ankles, and legs
-tired, heavy, restless, aching,
fatigued legs
-pain with walking or after
stopping
-rashes, redness, sores and
ulcers

2. What are some common causes of VI?
-family history of varicose veins
-being overweight
-pregnancy
-not exercising enough
-smoking
-standing or sitting for long periods of
time
-long distance travel
How is venous insufficiency treated?
Although there are surgical options available
for severe cases, most times, physicians will
recommend or prescribe medical grade
compression stockings/hosiery for both
prevention of varicose veins and treatment of
them.
Medical compression hosiery improves
venous blood flow by delivering a controlled
amount of pressure, which is the greatest at
the ankle and gradually decreases toward the
top of the garment. The stockings squeeze
the veins to stop excess blood pooling and
the gradient pressure helps to control
swelling and fatigue. Many patients report
feeling rested and refreshed after wearing
their stockings.
AUGUST 2014
There are many different styles and lengths
of compression hosiery for both men and
women including causal, dress, sport,
thigh-high and full pantyhose. There are
also different compression levels depending
on your needs and the extent of your
venous insufficiency. For mild cases or for
people looking to prevent varicose veins
there is "mild support" providing 15-20
mmHg of pressure, while from more
serious cases "moderate and firm support"
is recommended providing 20-30mmHg
and 30-40 mmHg of pressure respectively.

3. AUGUST 2014
To find out more information about the health benefits of compression
stockings or the styles we offer here in the office, talk to Drs. Maja and
Cameron Edgar who are trained in custom fitting of medical grade
compression stockings.
NOTE: Check into your extended health insurance as with a medical
doctors prescription these items are often reimbursable through your plan.
Edgar Family Chiropractic on Pearl
399 Pearl Street Burlington
P: 289-337-1202 F: 289-245-1482
info@edgarchiropractic.ca
www.edgarchiropractic.ca